凵
open box enclosure, open box radical (no. 17)
Strokes2
Readings
On'yomi
- カン
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
凵 represents an open box or container, and is primarily used as a radical component in other characters rather than as a standalone word.
Most common words using 凵
- 凵繞かんにょう
kanji "box" radical (radical 17)
Study
Etymology
凵 is a pictograph of an open container or pit. The modern form preserves the simple two-stroke outline of a receptacle.
Meaning mnemonic
The shape 凵 looks like an open box or a container with its top missing, ready to receive something.
Reading mnemonic
For カン, imagine a can that is open at the top, just like the shape of 凵: can -> カン.